Ronald Edwards

Ronald Edwards, 78, of Richland County, Wisconsin, passed away on March 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Washington State, Ronald's life was shaped early by a deep sense of service, compassion, and community.

He grew up in an Army family and attended schools around the world. When his father was stationed in Germany and Japan, the family joined him there. Ron had favorite phrases in German and Japanese that he used affectionately his whole life.

He attended high school in Sonoma County, California, where his first job was working for the Post Office part-time while finishing high school.

After high school, he proudly enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War and served his country honorably as a Chaplain's Assistant at Fort Carson, Colorado. He became the fastest Morse Code Operator and Trainer, and was tasked with creating new training tapes that moved faster than the ones he learned with.

He was sent to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, on a summer Temporary Assignment where he met fellow soldier and love of his life, Luella. They played ping pong at the Chapel Center, watched the moon landing together, and soon married. They finished their enlistments and moved to Madison, Wisconsin

A few years later, Ron returned to California for college, where he became President of the Santa Rosa Junior College Veterans Club. He then graduated from Sonoma County College with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

Ron and family transferred to the Chicago area in the late 70's where he began working in the sporting goods industry. He earned the distinction of becoming a Certified NRA Firearms Instructor. He worked at multiple gun stores and taught Walter Payton – the Chicago Bear - how to shoot. He often laughed, saying he shouldn't be proud of that because Walter Payton shot himself in the foot shortly afterward. He also opened his first gun store, R&R Sporting Goods. He played a key role in creating a new American Legion post near Chicago and was honored to become American Legion Commander of that post. He also taught himself to play the drumset. And after planting a new rose garden in his front yard, the neighborhood named his home the Rose House.

In the mid-80's, Ron and family moved to Richland Center, where he worked at Krouskop's Men's Store, and opened his second gun store – The Gunrunner - located on Main Street. Afterward, he dedicated more than two decades of his life to serving the people of Richland County. He was a County Social Worker for 11 years, where he became a trusted advocate for families and children. His passion for strengthening community support systems led him to establish the KINSHIP program in Richland County. He continued for another 9 years as a Social Worker at WSPF in Boscobel until his retirement.

His devotion to public service extended far beyond his professional life. Ronald served as an EMT in Richland County, was a member of the Richland County Board, led the Richland Boy Scout Troop 81, instructed the local B.B. Gun team, which won two State Championships, and contributed his time and energy to numerous civic organizations. He was an active member of the Richland Optimist Club, the local Masonic Lodge, the local R.E.A.C.T. Emergency Communications Team, and the Pine River Sports Association, bringing humor and dedication to the groups he joined. Always an extrovert, he could be found at Papa's Donuts after work each day, drinking coffee and chatting with friends.

Ronald's life was defined by kindness, humor, and a commitment to helping others. He believed deeply in community, in service, and the power of showing up for people-values he passed on to his family and all who knew him.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Luella Edwards; son Travis Edwards; daughter Crestalee Meyer and husband Brian; grandson Samuel Meyer; sister Emilie Sumwalt and husband Duane; brother George Edwards and wife Judi; sister-in law Lanette Pugh; sister-in-law Lily Viksjo; brother-in-law Chet Sumwalt and wife Karen; sister-in-law Lila Rikli and husband Curt; brother-in-law Dennis Sumwalt and wife Debbie, brother-in-law Jim Sumwalt and wife Diane; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother Bonnie Edwards; father George Edwards; sister Lindsay Edwards; brother-in-law David Pugh; brother-in-law Mark Viksjo; sister-in-law Luana Wade; sister-in-law Lavonne Babbitt and husband Jose; and several family and friends who he was looking forward to seeing again on the other side.

He loved his family, God, his country, firearms, fast cars, and the Packers. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell stories and have thought-provoking conversations. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the programs he helped build, and the community he helped strengthen. Ronald will be remembered with gratitude and love and will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 17th, 2026, at 6:00pm at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center, WI. Visitation will be held there before the service from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Ron wanted his life to be celebrated like a party and he would appreciate bright colors being worn.

Your presence and support mean the most. If you would like to honor Ronald with a gift, contributions to the family are welcome.

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